Two Tip Tuesday – Long Way Home

Posted on July 23, 2019 by debbiewendt

What do you do for three days of driving? Well, if I’m a passenger, I’d have a hand project to work on. BUT, when I’m the driver, I drive…no hand work for me. 😦

It was a long way home but I had a great time at Stitcher Paradise in St. Petersburg, FL.  I still feel like I’m in the car so I’ll keep this short, but I have lots of photos!

Three great classes and wonderful students!  Cheryl kept the booth hopping with demos while I taught.  Great job Cheryl!  A HUGE thanks to Michael and Cynthia for helping take down and load my car.  We got the last load out as it started to rain…POUR…by the time I got back inside.  We were rewarded with a double rainbow later on when the rain stopped.

A few pictures from my 4-3-2-1-DONE class.  Several chose to be controlled with their colors while others were random.  I can’t wait to see them ALL finished.  Some packed up before I got photos (looking to see those in a finished quilt – wink, wink)

DONE in blues and creams…random placement

DONE in cool colors…controlled placement

DONE in “fire”…controlled

DONE in “Rainbow Sherbet”…random

DONE in teals…random

DONE in purples…controlled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DONE in multi colors…controlled

#1 – Have FUN in classes!  We had a lot of laughs and instruction.  Refreshers of the basics is always good.  They reported they learned something new!!In the Twirl-A-Tool class we did a faux piped binding sample.  Since we were working with a wide 4 1/2″ binding we still got the same awesome finish with Brilliant Bindings.  We turned the tool and used the 45 degree line on the tool to draw our cutting line!  Score!  Another use for the lines on the tool….and tip #2!!

Brilliant Bindings 45 degree miter line for marking

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Stitcher Paradise

Posted on July 16, 2019 by debbiewendt

I’m in FLORIDA!! Stitcher Paradise is Thursday to Saturday this week, July 18-20 at the Hilton Carillon in St. Petersburg, FL. I’m excited for the three classes I’m teaching and I’ll have my booth as well. I’m looking forward to meeting new quilting friends!  The show is put on by Happy Apple Quilts in Tampa.  I visited the shop today and look at the display for the show…

I spy “Brilliant Bindings”!

Twirl-A-Tool sample at
Happy Apple Quilts in FL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They have Brilliant Bindings on display along with their version of a Twirl-A-Tool quilt! (Binding and Twirl-A-Tool are two of the classes I’ll be teaching.  4-3-2-1-DONE is the third.)

They have a beautiful store with lots of wonderful, colorful brights!  They even have a longarm room with machines to rent or they quilt for you.  We did a video using my Brilliant Bindings for the Longarm.  They are editing it and will have it on their YouTube channel very soon.  I’ll be sure to share the link once it is up.  It has been a while since I demo-ed Bindings on the Longarm, I think you will enjoy it!

#1 – You can bind a quilt before you remove it from the frame.  Brilliant Bindings for the Longarm is 1/4″ thick and has full color instructions!

As with any show, there is a lot of prep and heavy lifting getting the booth ready.  I’ll share more on that on my FaceBook page once we get set up.

The third class that I mentioned I’m teaching is 4-3-2-1-DONE.  Did you know my “Done” Series all use fat quarters.  Check them out on my website!  wendtquilting.com

#2 – Have Fat Quarters?  Try a “Done” quilt!  They are easy to cut, easy to piece and a lot of FUN!

Done by Three is also fat quarter friendly!  See two different colorways below.

Done by Three D.W.

“Done by Three”. D.W.

in quilting,

Debbie

Posted in Bindings on the Longarm, Brilliant Bindings, Quilt shows, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Two Tip Tuesday – two weeks gone by

Posted on July 9, 2019 by debbiewendt

I do not know where time goes some days. It has been two weeks since I did Two Tips. I can’t believe it. Sad but true, those weeks are gone and away we go into July! So what is happening with your summer? Are you working on a project or playing outside. I’m driving south today and boy is it HOT! We haven’t had this heat yet in New England. My Suburban is doing well and just turned another big number.

Good milage! Wendt Quilting on the road!

 

 

 

What will you do to beat the summer heat? I’ve heard many say they don’t quilt in the summer, but work in the garden or outside. Nope, not me! Bugs love me and I don’t take any chances to give them a reason to jump on me. I’ll stay inside where I can stay cool in my basement and sew. It is humid at the moment, so I may have to move upstairs in front of one of the AC units!

Speaking of heat…Did you know it is not good for your sewing machine to sit in a hot car? Getting it from point A to point B, it will be fine, but NO extended periods of time in the heat (or cold). Tip #1!!

My next project is designing a block and quilt for the Houston Festival Block Hop.  I’ll be doing it again this year!  I can’t reveal any of the details of the blocks, but here is a sneak peek.  I’m not happy with the contrast of the block.

Enough contrast? D.W.

What would you do?  Scrap it or keep going?  I’ll let you know next week what I decide.  Tip #2 – Sometimes a taking a step back and rethinking is the best thing to do.

in quilting,

Debbie

Posted in Quilt shows, Travel, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Two Tip Tuesday – Vermont

Posted on June 25, 2019 by debbiewendt

Hello Quilty People! I’m in Vermont getting ready for the Vermont Quilt Festival. This is my first year to vend here and I’m very excited!! We drove through a deluge of rain but made it to no rain and sun to unload the Suburban! Talk about good timing and good vibes!  Tomorrow we finish set-up (my friend Cheryl will be helping, I sure appreciate her help!!). The Show opens with a champagne reception tomorrow night…too bad I don’t like champagne. Then the show runs Thursday thru Saturday. I hope to see some of you there! Come by and say hi! I’m booth #46.

The NEW project I showed last week is a LARGER Boxy Bag! I’m excited to give this great pattern a new cover featuring the larger bag. The original is still included with all the fun options to make your bag unique. I think you will love the update!!

Boxy Bag D.W.

Boxy Bag D.W.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m exhausted so I’m not going to go into a lot of detail for tips….
So, cheeers to champagne tomorrow and the start of another quilt show!
#1 – A glass of wine just might relax you to learn to stipple! (or even champagne at quilt shows!)
#2 – Go to a quilt show near you!! There are many local guilds that hold shows.
in quilting,
Debbie

Posted in Quilt shows, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Two Tip Tuesday – on the edge…stitching that is

Posted on June 18, 2019 by debbiewendt

I had some time to actually sew these last couple days! I’m still playing catch-up from being gone over a month. I’m not living on the edge, but I’m sure living on the go. I LOVE to travel, so that really doesn’t phase me. What does keep me on edge is keeping up with all the quilty things. Website, blog, Facebook, orders, teaching, new designs, making samples, and new quilts or projects. So, sitting at my machine, cutting and sewing felt really good! I can’t show you the finished project, well, not just yet… but I will show you stitching bits I did.
First, the fabrics are from Turtle Hand Batik. We are working on combining their fabric with one or more of my patterns. I have to say, AWESOME! The fabrics are hand stamped and very rich in color. FUN!

Some of the constructing I did required a zipper. Easy! I like to EDGE STITCH along the edge to 1- make it pretty and 2- give stability.  I also EDGE STITCHED along a pocket.

EDGE stitch along zipper.

EDGE stitching along pocket.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On this same project I did some TOP STITCHING. Top stitching is typically 1/4″ away from a seam or decorative finish to a turned edge. It also 1- makes it pretty and 2- gives stability. They sure sound the same.  So, why the two different names for stitching that is close to or near an EDGE? You’ll have to ask the sewing history gurus and books that question. They are similar, yet different.  I learned both early on in my sewing career in junior high Home Ec. Then again in college for my clothing classes. And I still use them today for many of my sewing projects.

Some tips for both stitching techniques, EDGE STITCHING #1 – Keep it straight and even, no matter how far from a folded edge you are sewing. Typically an edge stitch is 1/8″-1/4″ from the edge.
#2 – TOP STITCHING is typically 1/4″ from the edge. Again keep it consistent! I like to use a slightly longer stitch length when I TOP STITCH or EDGE STITCH.

No matter which STITCH you are sewing along the “EDGE”. Consistency is KEY! Find a line on your throat plate to follow or place on your presser foot for a fine (good) straight line!
in quilting,
Debbie

Posted in Sewing Terms, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Two Tip Tuesday – Vermont and Odd Angle Binding

Posted on June 11, 2019 by debbiewendt

I introduced a new pattern for Hex-a-ma-jig and Hex-a-ma-jig Jr. at Spring Market. I’m in the process of getting it ready for my website and my next show. Last minute decision….I’m vending at Vermont Quilt Festival!! I’m very excited for this opportunity and hope I will see some of you at the show. The show is June 26-29, 2019 at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, VT.  I’m looking forward to meeting the quilters at the show.  I’ll be demo-ing bindings and hexies in my booth as well as showcasing the new pattern!  Please stop by and see me!!

The new pattern is a placemat using either Hex or Junior.  It all depends on what size you want to make.  This has 60° odd angle binding due to the shape of the Hexagon.  There is nothing difficult about doing miter.  It is all in stopping and folding at the corner.  TIPS listed below!

1 – If sewing a 1/4″ seam, stop 1/4″ from the upcoming edge.  (However wide your seam, that is the measurement you stop.)

Mark stopping point.

Leave needle down at marked point.

Stitch off into corner point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 – I like to leave the needle down at that stopping point and turn and stitch into the corner point.  Remove from sewing machine.

3 – “Miter Flip Flop” (The name I’ve coined for turning the binding at the corner.)  FLIP the binding up, away from the new edge so it is in line with the upcoming edge.  Then FLOP it back on top of itself.  The fold of the binding will be at a 90° from the corner point.

FLIP binding up so it is in line with upcoming edge.

fold is 90 degrees

FLOP back on top of itself so the fold is in line with the corner point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 – Continue sewing in the new direction.  It is that simple!

May you have success with odd angle bindings!

in quilting,

Debbie

Posted in Mitered Bindings, Quilt shows, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Two Tip Tuesday – After a Cruise

Posted on June 4, 2019 by debbiewendt

I missed last week because I was on an Alaskan Cruise. It was amazing! The air, the water, the mountains, the glaciers, the wildlife, the small communities…ALL so very impressive and a true pleasure to experience. We were on the Bliss by Norwegian. HUGE, not a fan of huge ships after this, but quite the experience. My favorite two photos are below. Seeing a glacier calve, watching a whale and all the eagles in Juneau.

Margerie Glacier

Whale Fluke!!! We got to see her several times!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A little plug for a local company, Alaska Travel Adventures!  A high school friend works for them and we were VERY impressed with the tours we did with them.  I highly recommend them!!

Bringing this back to quilting, I went to a wonderful quilt shop in Skagway, AK.  I spent a few hours ahead of time looking at all they had online.  I was hoping to not be overwhelmed when I got to the shop, as I only had less than 30 minutes to shop.  Great Alaska theme fabrics and kits!!!  I came home with several!  Rushin’ Tailor is the name of the shop.  If you want Alaskan themed fabrics, they have a wonderful selection!

#1- Visit quilt shops when you travel (I know I’ve said this before, but it is a great way to get local treasures!)

I could go on and on about Alaska, but I’ll refrain.  It was truly a dream come true to go!  It was wonderful sharing it with some of our Wendt Family that did the trip with us!!

Seals, eagle and great color inspiration!

I usually talk about “go” projects when I travel.  Can you believe I didn’t take one thing with me?!?  I just spent money on future projects.  And that was fine with me.  I added a few more grays from a couple shops in NW Washington State while taking  a side visit to see my aunt and Reece cousins.  More treasures to remember the trip!!

#2 – Sometimes memories can be made in purchasing fabric for those future quilts.  I hope to show results in a few months.

in quilting,

Debbie

P.S. Checkout my Snuggle Tails Whale/Dolphin pattern on wendtquilting.com!!

 

 

Posted in Quilt shops, Travel, Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Two Tip Tuesday – More on Quilt Market

Posted on May 21, 2019 by debbiewendt

Spring Quilt Market is in the books! Thank to all the shop owners and quilty peeps for stopping by my booth. Booth pic below!

Spring Quilt Market 2019

 

 

 

 

 

I introduced a new pattern that I told you about last week. Here is a pic of my Sneak Peek display. Simple but to the point!

Spring Quilt Market 2019
Sneak Peek

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Dad helped me with Sample Spree! My Mom helped me in the booth! And both were a HUGE help in setting up and taking down my booth.

Sample Spree 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the next adventure! I’ll be vending at the Vermont Quilt Festival at the end of June. Last minute addition and I’m thrilled! Before heading home, I got to experience some Midwest weather. Love the colors but hate the colors when there is a tornado involved. This is what the TV looked like tonight. Pretty colors but I hate that many are effected by the storms. ALL SAFE where I am!!

KC area in the Spring

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#1 – Experience the local flavors when traveling.  (Food more than the weather!)

#2 – Sign up early for classes.  (My Brilliant Binding class is already sold out in Grand Rapids for AQS Week in August.)

in quilting,

Debbie

Posted in Quilt shows, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Two Tip Tuesday – Spring Quilt Market

Posted on May 15, 2019 by debbiewendt

It is almost here…Spring Quilt Market! It is in Kansas City, Missouri this year. My hometown and I’m thrilled to be here and have a booth for Market. We begin setup Wednesday.  I’ll also be doing a Schoolhouse session and vending at Sample Spree. For those that don’t know about Quilt Market, it happens twice a year and is a grand event with quilt designers (that would be me!) tool companies (also me!), fabric companies, notions and all things in between. It is for quilt shop owners and quilting related business owners. It is not open to the general public. We get to see what is new in the industry!! I’m looking forward to several days of amazing quilty goodness!

So, what is new?  Hot off the press is a new pattern for using Hex-a-ma-jig and Hex-a-ma-jig Jr. to make placemats and mug rugs.  The new pattern is called Hexie Fun Placemats, nothing fancy, just says what it is!  Here are a couple of the samples…

Faye’s placemat!!

Ruby likes it! Check out the dog bone fabric!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, I made them for people and pets! I had a lot of fun with fabric and quilting these!  Thanks to a dear friend, Faye for the making the inspiration piece!!  Believe me when I say you just can’t stop at one.  I even included detailed instructions for odd angle bindings.  Those 60° edges of a hexagon are not difficult, just need explanation to keep the perfect mitered corners.  I’ll post more about those corners at another time.  Tonight I’m focused on sleep and giving you the news of a new pattern.

Hexie Fun Placemat and Mug Rug D.W.

Kitty cats will love them, too. D.W.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#1- Don’t stay up late when you are tired…that is typically when mistakes happen…get that rest and start fresh in the morning.

#2 – Quilting doesn’t have to be a masterpiece on every thing you make.  Sometimes simple quilting lines will do…and look GREAT!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Paducah and beyond

Posted on May 7, 2019 by debbiewendt

I didn’t mean to have a two week break from the blog, it just happened before I realized it. I’m thrilled to report that Paducah was fantastic.  I enjoyd seeing so many stop by the booth.  We did a lot of demos and talked to so many.  I loved teaching Hexies and Honeycombs. It was a great class for learning, inspiration and ah-ha moments. Some now have a new love for “Paper Pieces” and handwork.  Several flower garden blocks left the room and fun starts with Honeycombs for Lucy Boston’s Patchwork of the Crosses.

Have you tried “Paper Pieces”?  I enjoy using them.  They are cardstock pieces cut into shapes.  They are a great for making Grandmother’s flower garden “go project”.

Grandmother’s Flower Gardens

Flower gardens and start of Honeycombs

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1″ Hexie + 2 1/2″ square of fabric.  Trim to about 1/4″ around Paper Piece Hexie.  Turn fabric firmly over the edge and tack at each corner.  One down and many more to go!

Paper piece on fabric square.

Paper piece with trimmed fabric
and two corners tacked

Paper pieces with all corners tacked

Finished Hexie

Tips…#1 – Cut squares first, then trim.  This makes it easier to get fabrics ready to “go”.

#2 – Tack only at corners.  The directions suggest you stitch through the paper.  This takes extra time and hurts my fingers.  by only stitching the corner folds, it is also easier to remove papers!

 

 

 

 

My booth in Paducah!

Spring Paducah 2019

Thank you for continuing to follow me on the web and at shows.  My next stop is Spring Market in Kansas City.  It is going “home” for me, my hometown!  Keep a look out for a new Hex-a-ma-jig pattern in the coming weeks!

in quilting,

Debbie

Posted in EPP, Hexagons, Uncategorized | Leave a comment